We are committed to building a Stanley Cup contending team and are thrilled to welcome incredible players, coaches, staff, and their families to Utah. When he approached us and asked us for help resolving this situation, we made the bold decision to introduce a new franchise in Utah, fully understanding that we are stepping up to do something in a time frame and way that has never been done before in professional sports under these circumstances.

Commissioner Bettman conceived and proposed an ingenious plan that would allow us to acquire an NHL franchise while also helping to address and remedy an immediate need of the NHL. Our intention had always been to pursue an expansion team. “This is a transformative day for our state and our fans. “We are honored to bring an NHL team to Utah and understand the responsibility we have as stewards of a new NHL franchise,” said Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of Smith Entertainment Group. However, Ryan Smith is excited to be bringing hockey to Utah. PODCAST: Full Press Hockey Weekly Ep 82: NHL Trade Deadline Extravaganza NFL: Best Bets For 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Yearįull Press Bets: Carlos Alcaraz Favored To Win Miami Open NHL: 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs: East Wild Card Race – Who Wants In NHL Rumors: Why the Arizona Coyotes Are on the Move to Utah But the ownership will be putting in the work to get the name right.Ĭoyotes: NHL Rumors: Salt Lake City, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers The team will be called Utah and not Salt Lake City.

However, the Utah hockey team will not have a nickname for now. We knew something was up when Ryan Smith started tweeting about asking fans about ideas for team names for the new Utah franchise. We thank them for working so collaboratively with the League to resolve a complex situation in this unprecedented and beneficial way.”Īccording to reports, the $1.2 billion deal was brokered by the League and Ryan Smith, the owner of the Utah Jazz, and was presented to Coyotes owner Alex Meurelo on March 6th.Īs part of the approved transaction, the Coyotes will transfer the totality of its existing hockey assets– including its full Reserve List, roster of Players and draft picks and its Hockey Operations Department – to the Utah franchise. “We are also delighted to welcome Ashley and Ryan Smith to the NHL family and know they will be great stewards of the game in Utah. “As everyone knows, Utah is a vibrant and thriving state, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. This franchise will be owned and controlled by Smith Entertainment Group, which Ryan and Ashley Smith lead. The Coyotes are going out in style with a 5-2 win.Īlong with relocation, the NHL Board of Governors approved the establishment of a franchise in Utah beginning with the 2024-25 season.

The NHL announced the move on Thursday after an emotional final game at Mullett Arena on Wednesday night.

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